Keith Choate, MD ’04, PhD ’01, Appointed Chair/Chief of Dermatology

Keith Choate, MD ’04, PhD ’01, will become chair of the Department of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and chief of Dermatology of Yale New Haven Hospital effective October 1, 2022. Choate will also work collaboratively with delivery network leadership to advance dermatological services across Yale New Haven Health System.

Choate is associate dean for physician-scientist development; professor of dermatology, pathology, and genetics; director of research for the Department of Dermatology; and co-director of Dermatology’s Physician-Scientist Development Program. After earning his PhD in cell biology and MD from Yale School of Medicine, he completed his residency in dermatology and a fellowship in dermatology and genetics at Yale, joining the faculty in 2009.

An active clinician specializing in genetic skin disorders, Dr. Choate is widely recognized for his research in rare skin and systemic disorders. His NIH-funded research draws on molecular genetics to reveal unexpected mechanisms for disease pathogenesis and has led to the identification of genetic defects in more than 18 rare disorders, providing fundamental insights about disease pathophysiology. This work, which reflects collaborative efforts with clinicians internationally, with investigators at Yale, and with patients and advocacy groups, has allowed Choate and his colleagues to develop effective therapeutics for previously untreatable disorders.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Choate has devoted time and attention to training undergraduates, medical students, residents, and fellows. Through his roles as associate dean for physician-scientist development, director of research for Dermatology, co-director of Dermatology’s Training in Investigative Dermatology T32 Program, and associate director of the MD-PhD Program, he has demonstrated a commitment to mentorship and sponsorship, diversity and inclusion, professional development, and collaboration for faculty and trainees.

As chair, Choate will expand Dermatology’s clinical presence, research funding, and faculty. He will continue to develop a research program in Dermatology that spans clinical trials, disease-focused clinical research, and basic and translational research. He also will seek to cultivate mentorship at all levels and facilitate collaboration within the clinical and research environments.

Choate succeeds Rick Edelson, MD '70, who has led the department for the past 36 years. See this recent interview with Choate in Yale Medicine Magazine.